Mentoring 

Our mentoring initiatives are designed to empower early career choreographers to begin their learning around self producing practices, supporting artists in identifying their values and in depth strategic support around partnership development, fundraising and financial monitoring. Since 2018, we have annually supported  artists to receive grant funding for the first time. Mentored artists include: 

Divija Melally, 2023 

Company Dazed, 2020

Jasmine Chiu, 2020 

Imogen Reeve | Excessive Human Collective, 2019 

Amy Foskett Dance, 2018

Robert Robinson, 2017 

“With Richard’s experience and professionalism, he has helped me shape and understand the development of my own project. Without his support and knowledge I wouldn't have made the progression I have in this short amount of time. Along with his strong work ethic, he has the ability to nurture talent and create a space where discussion can be held, creating a working atmosphere that's collaborative and safe.” 

-Robert Robinson

Commissioning

From 2021-2022, our inaugural programme Supporting Acts was designed to commission new work by early career choreographers, including a mentoring package, programming, a commission fee, expenses, a bespoke mentoring package and funds for collaborators. It represented a significant step change in four artist’s careers. Commissioned artists include: 

Billy Maxwell Taylor, 2022

Edd Arnold, 2022

Marla King, 2022

Daisy Howell | Night People Events, 2022

Emily Robinson, 2022

Programming

Since 2022, we have programmed artists into our mixed bill programmes in the South West of England. This provides tangible ways for artists to receive programming fees which cover the full costs of presenting work alongside bespoke mentoring packages. Programmed Artists Include:

Harrynsmithy, 2023

Divija Melally, 2023 

Edd Arnold, 2022 

“Our mentoring sessions were tailored toward areas that we personally needed and were interested in. We felt really listened to by Richard and it created this very open space where we could discuss and develop ideas as well as learning about helpful information about topics like company values and arts council applications. We have left the mentoring sessions even more motivated and determined to develop ourselves as artists as Richard helped us understand the tangible stepping stones to do this.Richard's support over the past few months has allowed us to become more sustainable as artists with the support from him and this programme.” 

-Harynsmithy

Training

We create accessible and inclusive environments for professional development for professional dance artists which are free and without financial barrier. These include free daily class offerings in the cities we rehearse and create in, alongside multiple full day free workshops for artists. Our class intensives have been hosted by Dance City, Exeter Phoenix, Theatre Royal Plymouth, Chisenhale Dance Space, Studio Wayne McGregor, Islington Arts Factory and National Dance Company Wales. Our workshops have been hosted by Exeter Phoenix, Studio Wayne McGregor, Theatre Royal Plymouth, Swindon Dance, Make Tank, The Hall Exeter and Watermans Arts Centre.